Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital

Support Hurricane Harvey Victims

admin — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:58:39 +0000

All proceeds from office visits during the month of September will go to help support victims.

The post Support Hurricane Harvey Victims appeared first on Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital.

Common Worms and Parasites: Identifying Worms and Symptoms

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 22:12:30 +0000

The threat of parasites and worms are a reality for your dog and cat. Affecting particular breeds and pets that have access to the outdoors, parasites and worms can cause small ailments like stomach upset, up to extreme cases of death. The most common type of parasites and worms that affect pet dogs and cats are hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. The effects of worms are particularly pervasive, as they can lay dormant in your pet’s system for quite some time before physical symptoms manifest. If your pet is experiencing rapid and random weight loss, diarrhea that isn’t remedied via diet modification, anemia, scratching of the anal opening, unexplained vomiting, severe bad breath that can’t be cured by regular brushing, or severe coughing, then it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian – it is a very real possibility that your pet is experiencing some sort of parasitic invasion.

Why Is a Stool Sample Required? Some parasites are very evidence, with adult roundworm and tapeworm being very visible in stools. However, once they are observable with the naked human eye, then usually your dog or cat is experiencing advanced stages sickness. A stool sample will be able to analyze feces to check for worms as well as for disconnected segments. A stool sample is also required to discover eggs, which tend to be microscopic in size.

Learning about the Common the Parasites and Worms That Affect Your Pets

Whipworms tend to affect dogs, but it is not unnatural for cats to be infected by whipworms. Looking like small pieces of thread, whipworms tend to occupy your pet’s intestine. Whipworms do not lay many eggs, so several stool samples need to be examined to determine if whipworms are the potential culprit. Stool that is encased in mucus or extreme weight loss is usually attributed to whipworm infestation. Fortunately, whipworms hardly cause deaths.

Roundworms tend to affect puppies, especially puppies living in close quarters. Puppies that come from puppy mills and pet shops tend to be inundated with this parasite. Roundworms tend to be very common in puppies and kittens due to the way it is spread. The roundworm larva can migrate between the mother and the developing fetus. It can also be spread during nursing time. Once the larva migrates, they grow up to 5 inches in the dogs or cats intestine. There they start to absorb nutrients from the intestinal tract, then it will start laying eggs. Roundworms can lay up to 1 million eggs over the span of a couple of weeks. Due to this number, many kittens and puppies with advanced stages of infestation tend to have large bellies and mid sections. Severe infestations can cause a blockage, killing the host. Not only are puppies and kittens in danger of roundworm infestation, but an adult can be exposed as well.

Hookworms are also much more common in dogs and puppies. Hookworms secure themselves to the small intestines, sucking up blood for nourishment. Puppies and dogs get exposed to hookworms via stool that has been contaminated by it or ingesting the eggs by other means. Puppies can also be exposed to the parasite by nursing on an infected mother. Due to the loss of blood, advanced stages of hookworm infestation tend to cause anemia. Poor weight, loss of interest in favorite foods and treats and low energy are all hallmarks of a hookworm infestation.

Tapeworms come from fleas, putting dogs and cats in danger. Cats and dogs that have access to the outdoors – especially outdoor areas where tall grass tends to grow – are all exposed to fleas that are infected with tapeworms. Tapeworms look like several pieces of tape secured together, with distinct tiny brick like sections. Although tapeworms can grow up to 5 to 6 inches in length, the first visible signs of tapeworm infestations typically manifest in tiny segments attached to the fur around the pet’s anus. Looking like small pieces of rice, these tapeworm segments move when agitated. The segment also contains tapeworm eggs. Tapeworm infestations tend to be aggressive, and that most over-the-counter medications cannot help. It is important that you visit a veterinarian as soon as possible

Preventing Parasites and Worms in Your Pets

The key to a long canine and feline life is prevention. Make sure that your cat and dog visits a veterinarian on a regular basis. Most seemingly healthy pets can go with yearly visits. But dogs and outdoor cats should be examined at least twice a year. Dewormers that are formulated with active ingredients like piperazine work by paralyzing parasites and worms, halting their assault on your pet’s intestinal tract. Stronger dewormers can be given to you by your veterinarian. To reduce your pet’s exposure to fleas that may have parasites clinging to them, it is recommended that you do not allow them to wonder in marshes and areas with tall grass. These tend to be breeding grounds for parasites, worms, and bacteria that can infect your pets.

In many places, it is required by law that pets are vaccinated before they are able to go to dog parks and other places where dogs congregate. Even though most pet owners follow this rule, it is still important to be able to pinpoint symptoms. You do not want a sick dog to potentially expose your pets to illness. A dog that looks particularly lethargic, dirty, and look like they have excessive bloating around the midsection; are all potential signs of a dog that is infected. For outdoor cats, consider converting them to indoor cats. Outdoor cats are exposed to the elements, predators, aggressive cats, and parasites. An outdoor cat generally lives a much shorter life than an indoor cat.

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Vital Pet First Aid Tips To Help Keep Your Pet Healthy And Safe

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 22:11:23 +0000

When you own a pet, there are many things to keep in mind. You not only need to make sure their environment is safe for themselves, but also have a working knowledge of what pets should and shouldn’t eat, and keep their best interests at heart. In addition, it’s important to know some pet first aid tips, just in case.

Necessary First Aid Supplies

First aid kits are not only important for humans. If you own a pet, you should have a first aid kit prepared in care of emergencies as well.

That kit should first and foremost include the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinarian clinic (if your vet doesn’t offer an emergency option), and the number for animal poison control. These phone numbers will be crucial if your pet is in distress and needs help.

Additionally, your kit should include a leash, gauze, strips of cloth, adhesive tape for bandages (not human bandages), milk of magnesia, hydrogen peroxide, an eye dropper, a digital thermometer, muzzle, and even a board or blanket that can be used to stabilize an injured pet.

Why You Need These Supplies

Obviously, you should use supplies like gauze, strips of cloth, and adhesive tape for wound care. If your pet has an injury and is bleeding, it is important to apply pressure and try to get the bleeding under control as quickly as possible.

A leash and muzzle are helpful if your pet is injured to keep both you and your pet safe. Especially if your furry friend has the tendency to bite when it’s hurt, the only way you can help them is to muzzle them.

A digital thermometer should be used rectally to monitor the temperature of your pet, and you can use the eye dropper to administer medicine or even to help flush a wound.

Lastly, the hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting in your pet, but should only be used after you have spoken to a doctor. Similarly, after speaking to a professional, you can use the milk of magnesia with activated charcoal to help absorb poison in your pet.

First Aid Tips

What To Do When Your Pet is Poisoned

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, it’s important to act quickly. Whether you think your pet has accidentally ingested something that it shouldn’t have, or it was attacked and even purposefully poisoned, you must move fast. In fact, you need to seek care for your pet immediately.

When speaking to a professional on the phone they may suggest you use either the hydrogen peroxide to help your pet to throw up the poison, or the milk of magnesia to help remove the poison before you can bring in your pet for further care. Either way, you never want to give your animal medicine without talking to a professional.

In many cases, your pet may only have a few hours before something critical happens. But sure to think clearly and make decisive decisions.

How to Handle a Choking Pet

Another first aid tip you should know is how to deal with a choking pet. We all know that sometimes, our furry friends eat more than they can handle or chew on something that they shouldn’t. When that happens, you should be able to do something to alleviate your pet from choking.

If your pet is choking and clearly in distress, you should first try to see if you can see the object in the pet’s throat. Depending on the size of your pet, you might be able to open their mouth and actually see the object that is choking them.

If you can clearly see and grip the object, then proceed with that and pull the object from the throat. But be aware that your pet may be more likely to bite when it’s in choking distress. If you are unable to remove the object or your pet collapses, you should try to lay it on its side and strike the rib cage with the palm of your hands 3 to 4 times.

Pet Safety and First Aid During Hot Days

During hot days, it’s particularly important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. If you suspect that your beloved pet is suffering from heat stroke, remove them from the heat as best and fast as you can. Place a cool or cold wet towel around its neck and head without covering the eyes, nose, or mouth. Switch out the towel regularly until you are able to get your pet to a vet for medical attention.

Handling a Bleeding Wound

For external bleeding, it is best to muzzle your pet to help you better treat the wound. Press a gauze pad over the wound to help to control the bleeding, and make sure that you apply pressure in order to get it to stop. You may also want to consider using an eye dropper to help flush the wound from any dirt and debris. And again, seek medical attention if you are unable to get the bleeding to stop, or the wound is large, because it may require further medical care. When in doubt, calling your vet is never the wrong choice.

Suspecting a Seizure

Lastly, if you suspect your pet is having a seizure you shouldn’t put your hands near its face. Instead, make sure that you remove any objects around the pet so it doesn’t get hurt. You should time the length of the seizure because it’s very important information to give to your vet when you call them. After the seizure has stopped, be sure to call your vet and ask for further instructions on what to do with your pet.

These tips are important to internalize for any pet owner, and in some cases can be the difference between life and death. Just like it’s important to know first aid for humans, the same is equally true about your pets. To learn more about how to properly take care of your pets in an emergency, please contact us.

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13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need Immediate Attention

admin — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 22:09:07 +0000

Having a pet is a commitment. Most people misunderstand the most common pet emergencies, and don’t call for help until it’s too late. Understanding and keeping a list of the most common emergencies that require a veterinarian’s attention will help keep a pet healthy for a long time.

1. Severe Bleeding

This is the number one emergency because too many people believe an animal’s first aid can be done at home. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than five minutes, it must be checked by a vet. The fur could be hiding a bigger problem, or the animal might need stitches to heal without infection. The cut could be deeper than it appears, or there could be internal bleeding that needs surgery.

2. Choking and Difficulty Breathing

As with humans, it’s never a good idea to “wait and see” when an animal cannot breathe. Never try to clear the airway, and learn animal CPR to keep the animal safe. Take the vet to emergency care, even if CPR helps the animal breathe again, to make sure the animal is safe. A vet is the best trained person to make sure the animal does not have internal damage that caused the breathing issues.

3. Blood from Extremities

If there is blood in sputum, vomit, excrement, nose, ears, eyes, or mouth, it’s important to find out why. Perhaps the animal was injured while out of your sight, and needs emergency procedures to live. Blood should never be taken lightly. Seek emergency care immediately if blood is found coming from an animal. There could be unseen internal injuries.

4. Inability to Toilet

If the animal has pain in urination or defecation, or can do neither, it’s important to find out why. The animal could have an issue larger than you can handle, and may need a doctor’s care. Animals often do not express pain, so an ongoing issue can progress to a life threatening problem without your knowledge.

5. Injury to Eyes

An animal’s eyes are structured differently than a human’s eyes. If the eye is injured, there could be internal damage to structures close to the brain. Asking a vet for help will save your pet further harm.

6. Eating Poison

Many things that are fine for humans are toxic for animals. Items such as antifreeze, multivitamins, chocolate, pest poison, and more are very dangerous. They are also items an animal will ingest willingly. Learn what items are poisonous to your pet and call a vet emergency service immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested any poisonous substance.

7. Seizures

If an animal seizes, vet attention is required immediately. Staggering also falls under this category. These activities indicate a problem with the brain, and the animal needs immediate help. A vet can assess the situation, and might require more tests to find out how to best help the animal.

8. Lameness and Broken Bones

It’s never a good idea to allow an animal to “heal” when he or she displays leg issues. Allowing this to happen will cause the animal unnecessary pain later in life. Avoid these issues by taking the animal to the vet and help him or her live a longer, healthier, happier life.

9. Pain and Anxiety

As stated above, pets will not tell their humans when there is pain. If an animal is exhibiting signs of pain, it has progressed to a severe state and the animal must see a vet right away. Another method of expressing pain or illness is anxiety. If your normally happy dog suddenly snaps at your hand or does not welcome visitors, there might be a physical issue. Call a vet right away to have the animal evaluated to check for any possible pain. If you can pinpoint the area of the pain, it will help the vet’s diagnosis. Note the animal’s change in behavior and anxiety activities as well, as these notes will also help the vet.

10. Heat Stroke

As more stories of animals left in cars surface, so does the awareness of heat stroke. If an animal is suffering from heat stroke, he or she must see a vet immediately. Some signs of heat stroke are:

panting excessively
dark or bright red gums
dry tongue
staggering, stupor or seizures
bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting

11. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea

Many people like to wait these out, but either of these items in their severity will cause dehydration and death quickly. It’s important to find out why the animal is having this reaction. Take the animal to the vet, and try to remember what the animal has eaten. Consider any poisons the animal may have encountered using the poison list mentioned above. The information you can provide about your pet’s most recent activities will help the vet find out what’s wrong.

12. Refusal to Drink

An animal will drink consistently. If the animal has had nothing to drink in the past 24 hours, despite available water, take the animal to the vet. It’s important to understand your animal and keep the water dish clean, but even if the dish is dirty, an animal will eventually drink from it. Any refusal to do so over 24 hours is an indication of an emergency situation.

13. Unconsciousness

This item seems obvious, but some pet owners may think their animal is simply sleeping. If the animal cannot be roused from a sleep, contact a vet right away. The animal may have passed out. The vet will need to evaluate the animal to find out what could be happening to make the animal lose consciousness.

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Common Household Poisons and Toxins

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 22:08:44 +0000

Within our homes are dozens of substances and food products that, while safe for human use and consumption, are toxic or deadly for our pet companions. While many of these dangers are obvious and avoidable, there are some items we might not consider a danger — until a beloved pet is suffering and needs emergency care. The ASPCA reports over 150,000 calls per year to their poison control hotline.

Avocado

Infographics and articles abound warning pet owners of the dangers of avocados, but they fail to discuss how and why avocados pose a threat. For cats and dogs the avocado fruit itself is not harmful; the real danger is the possible ingestion of the large pit, a possible choking or intestinal obstruction hazard. For smaller animals such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and certain farmyard animals such as cows, goats, and horses, the real danger is a compound called persin. Persin is extremely toxic to these animals causing respiratory distress, fluid around the lungs and heart, liver and kidney failure, and sudden death. Pet birds will also show an inability to perch if suffering from persin toxicity.

Bread Dough

When ingested, unbaked dough will expand, ferment, and release large amounts of carbon dioxide and alcohol into the bloodstream. This process will rapidly cause a bloated stomach, followed by twisted stomach (known as gastric-dilatation volvulus or GDV), and alcohol poisoning. If your pet is showing signs of bloat or GDV including a distended stomach, racing heart, vomiting or non-productive retching, immediate intervention is needed. As the fermentation produces alcohol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream causing intoxication, dangerous drops in blood pressure and body temperature, seizures, and respiratory failure.

Chocolate

Many pet owners are aware of the hazard posed by chocolate, but are unaware of the quantities or types of chocolate that are the greatest threat. Theobromine is a methylxanthine compound very similar to caffeine that is present in chocolate. Darker chocolate has a higher concentration of theobromine with baker’s chocolate and baking cocoa posing the biggest threats. Pet poison control hotlines report that 95% of emergency calls and veterinary visits due to chocolate consumption are for dogs; smaller dogs often have to be treated for obstructions due to consuming the wrapper on a chocolate as well. Signs of methylxznthine poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythm. Untreated, progressively severe symptoms can lead to death.

Detergents

Corrosive burns due to detergent exposure are particularly common in cats. A cat might walk across spilled detergent, liquid or powder, that was not cleaned up immediately and then ingest it later while grooming. Drooling, visible burns on the paws or mouth, vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress may all be present. Immediate veterinary attention is required as internal damage may be severe.

Diisocyanate Glues

Commonly sold under the brand name Gorilla Glue, diisocyanate glues as well as other wood and construction glues, pose a large poisoning risk if ingested. Interaction between these glues and stomach acids causes a chemical reaction turning the glue into a rapidly expanding foam. The foam solidifies in the stomach and intestinal tract requiring surgery to remove the foreign body. Gastrointestinal distress symptoms caused by glue ingestion include vomiting, retching, drooling, distended stomach, and loss of appetite. This is an emergency situation and requires immediate intervention.

Grapes

There is no known cause of the toxic reaction from ingesting grapes, raisins or currants; however, it is known that dogs –and possibly cats and ferrets as well — can suffer severe, acute kidney failure after eating any type of grape or raisin containing product. Unlike other foods, the toxicity of grapes does not appear to be dose-dependent; even very small amounts can be injurious to some animals while others are not affected until a large dose is consumed. Veterinary care will include decontamination via induced vomiting or activated charcoal, kidney function monitoring, and often aggressive supporting care tactics.

Liquid Potpourri

While using a small burner or simmer pot to heat liquid potpourri or wax melts may seem like an easy and safe way to scent your home, it has been found to be a danger to pets, particularly cats. The scent is often enticing enough for a curious cat to take a couple licks, and that is all it takes to cause severe chemical burns in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. A high enough dosage will also lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, tremors, weakness, and possible organ damage.

Nicotine

Many non-smokers brush this danger off as it isn’t a substance in their home, but if your pet is allowed outside at any time, it may encounter and consume dropped cigarette butts. Consumption of nicotine gums pose a double danger to dogs as many brands are sweetened with xylitol which is also toxic. Nicotine raises both heart rate and blood pressure, and in sufficient quantities can cause neurological damage. Many animals will attempt to self-decontaminate (often by ingesting grasses or other stomach irritants) or may spontaneously vomit, but it is safest to have a veterinary evaluation in case further decontamination, IV fluids, or other medication is necessary to stabilize your pet.

Tea Tree Oil

Often touted as a natural wonder-drug for humans for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, possibly anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties, tea tree oil should never be used on pets. Also known as melaleuca oil, it is sold in several concentrations with 100% oil resulting in severe poisoning with as little as 7 drops and fatalities with as little as 10ml. Both cats and dogs show similar symptoms when exposed such as weakness, tremors, loss of balance or the inability to walk, coma, and death.

No matter how carefully you guard against accidental poisoning, you need to be prepared in the event it occurs. Proper preparation for an emergency situation will increase the chances of your pet’s survival and return to good health. Build a pet first aid kit, have a list of important phone numbers including animal poison control and your veterinary clinic, and keep a pet transport handy(if applicable) to be able to respond swiftly in any emergency.

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5 Tips to Promote Fire Pet Safety in Your Home

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 22:07:35 +0000

Many people who have pets understand that they quickly become part of the family. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the importance of fire pet safety, in fact, it is mistakenly believed that pets will simply follow us out the door if there is danger. It is far more common for a pet to have a safe place within the home and go to that place when he or she is afraid. This means that, if there is a fire, an animal is more likely to stay in the house than to leave through an open door or window. Firefighters often find family pets in a burned home, frozen in their final moments. It’s important to make sure this does not happen to your pets.

1. Use a Pet Sticker on Your Home

Veterinary offices or fire departments often offer pet stickers for a home with pets. This is a simple sticker that simply says, “Save My Pet”, with an area to fill in the number of pets, type of pet, and pet name. The main reason pets die in fires is because they are missed by firefighters who don’t know the pet exists. If a homeowner is away and a fire happens, the firefighters will look for the pet when they arrive at the scene. It’s also a good idea to list your pet’s “safe place” so the firefighters know where to look for the animal. If there is not room on the sticker for all the information, add information on a separate sticker. Typically, a family can receive as many stickers as needed for the home, especially from the animal’s veterinarian.

2. Learn How to Pet Proof a Home

Just as a child must have a safe environment, so must an animal. Make sure all open flames are extinguished before leaving. An animal can easily knock over a candle and cause a fire to spread quickly. Train the pet to sleep in one specific area, such as a pet bed, so the animal can be picked up if you must leave quickly in a fire. Watch your pet when he or she gets scared of situations, and allow him or her to hide. This will reveal the pet’s “safe place”, and it will help you find him or her in an emergency. It will also help you tell the firefighters where to look. When the family practices fire drills, include the pet. Designate a person to grab each pet, and practice with the pet at least once a month. Keep the plan consistent and practice often. Remind the responsible person to look first in the animal’s bed, then in the animal’s safe place. If possible, keep the animal’s sleeping area close to the safe place, to avoid moving through too many areas of the burning home.

3. Treat Smoke Alarms Differently

It’s always wise to change the batteries in the smoke alarm twice a year, and make sure they work once a month. However, when dealing with pets, you must treat the smoke alarm as a source of fear. While humans understand that the smoke alarm is a source of safety, it will scare animals who don’t understand its purpose. Remember to care for it, make sure it works, and understand that when it goes off, your animal will retreat to his or her safe place. You may have to look for the animal in his or her bed, then in his or her safe spot. Again, if these areas are close to each other, the task will move faster.

4. Inquire About Pet Oxygen Masks

Veterinarians and emergency personnel have realized that smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide are as deadly to pest as it is to humans, despite the animal living closer to the ground. In response, a number of organizations are providing pet owners with oxygen masks specifically for an animal’s muzzle. It’s important to ask if the emergency personnel has this option for your pet as he or she is transported to the veterinarian’s office. The provided extra oxygen is just as important to your pet as it is to you, and it increases the pet’s chances of survival. If the local emergency departments do not carry this equipment, consider raising funds to help them get the equipment. Alternatively, keep a bag with the equipment inside near your escape route to grab on the way out of the building.

5. Understand Your Pet

It goes without saying that we love our pets and we know their personalities. However, it’s important to learn what your pet will do when he or she is frightened. It’s also important to remember that your pet is an animal of instinct. If he or she is safely outside the home, there is still a chance he or she will go back inside. The safe place mentioned before is all your pet will remember, and will return to that safe place if allowed. This means that, if he or she hides in the tub during a scary thunder storm, he or she will run back into the burning house to get into the tub, despite the danger. Make sure to hold your pet tightly to avoid this situation. Understand your pet, reassure your pet, and remember that he or she can feel your fear. Your pet will be as anxious as you are, so keeping him or her safe is an extra challenge in the face of a fire.

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Heartworm 101 for Dogs and Cats

admin — Fri, 20 May 2016 22:05:26 +0000

Heartworm disease is generally considered a condition that only affects dogs, but many other mammal species can suffer from it or act as carriers. Heartworms have been known to infect dogs, cats, ferrets, wolves, coyotes, sea lions, and there have even been reported cases of human infection as well. Severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs is caused by foot-long worms that colonize in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of the affected animal.

In a natural host such as dogs, heartworms are able to fully mature into adults, mating and producing offspring. Some dogs have been found with several hundred fully grown worms in their bodies. The worms cause lasting damage and affect the dog’s health for years even after the parasites are removed.

Cats, as an atypical host, can be infected, but the worms rarely survive into adulthood and so are unable to reproduce. This doesn’t mean there is no damage done — even immature worms can cause harm — but it does mean that cats often go undiagnosed because they do not have the symptoms dogs present. Cats often end up suffering from Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD) because the medication that treats heartworm in dogs cannot be used in cats.

How are pets infected?

Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, tiny worms called microfilaria are ingested by the mosquito. These mature over the course of 10-14 days into an “infective stage” at which time a mosquito bite transmits the larvae into a new animal. Once inside the bloodstream, the larvae mature into adult worms within 6 months, living 5 to 7 years in a dog and, when able to reach maturity, 2 to 3 years in a cat. Adult female worms produce more microfilaria which circulate in the bloodstream until they are also picked up by a mosquito.

What are common signs and symptoms of heartworm disease?

Dogs often show few symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Long-term infections will show as a mild cough, fatigue, lethargy, decrease or loss of appetite, weight loss, and a disinterest in exercise or play. As the disease progresses a swollen belly, due to accumulating fluids, may be noticed. Dogs with large infestations may develop sudden blockages within the heart called caval syndrome. Symptoms of cavel syndrome include sudden onset labored breathing, pale gums, and dark, sometimes bloody, urine. Surgical intervention is required for survival when these symptoms present.

Heartworm disease in cats will generally either present very subtle or very dramatic symptoms. While some cats will have no outward signs of distress, other cats will have asthma-like attacks, difficulty walking, fainting spells or seizures, though in some cases the first sign of distress is sudden collapse or death.

What tests and treatments will my veterinarian perform?

When these symptoms are seen in your pet, a veterinarian will test for heartworms with an antigen test. If it comes back positive a second test should be performed to confirm the diagnosis as the treatment regimen for heartworms is both complex and expensive.

Treatment for Dogs
If your dog tests positive for heartworms, the first step in treatment is to stabilize him. Severe cases of heartworm disease or cases where a dog already has underlying medical issues can take months of therapy before the dog is ready to start treatment. This includes strictly limiting exercise as any physical exertions increase the rate at which the heartworms cause internal damage.

A dog with these limitations on physical activity can suffer from boredom and may eventually become depressed. It is important that you interact with your dog in a loving and calm manner. Keeping his crate near you in the house will help him feel less isolated, especially if you make a point of talking to him as you carry out your daily activities. A long-lasting chew toy (if approved by your veterinarian) can also be a source of entertainment.

Once your dog is stabilized a treatment that consisting of several steps will be recommended. The American Heartworm Society has developed guidelines for treatment that depend on the severity of the infection and complications that arise from it. Dogs with few signs of heartworm disease generally have a higher rate of successful treatment.

Treatments for Cats
Diagnosis in a cat requires a physical exam, blood count and other blood tests, x-ray, and possibly an ultrasound as well. There is no approved drug therapy for cats as infections often resolve on their own, though damage will still remain. Treatment in mild cases consists of stabilization and management of presenting symptoms. In more severe cases hospitalization may be recommended to provide therapy including antibiotics, IV fluids, drugs to support heart and lung functions, and in some cases, surgical removal of heartworms.

How do I protect my pet from heartworms?

To combat an initial infestation or to guard against a subsequent infection, preventative medication must be administered to both cats and dogs on a monthly basis. Preventatives are available in a topical gel or in pill form. A dog will need to be re-tested in 6 month intervals until cleared by your veterinarian and will require monthly preventatives for the rest of his life.

Some pet owners think that they can skip the preventative in the winter months as it is too cold for mosquitoes, but it is very easy to forget the first dose in the spring or to have a sudden warm spell that allows mosquito populations to build before remembering to treat their pet. It is best to have a set day every month to administer the medication to ensure the continued good health of your pet.

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July 4th Pet Safety Tips

admin — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 05:34:16 +0000

Fourth of July festivities are great fun for us humans, but for pets all the excitement can be quite stressful.

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Spring Pet Safety

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 05:00:20 +0000

Keep an eye out to protect your pet from seasonal hazards.

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Dental Special Back by Popular Demand

admin — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 06:01:25 +0000

Have you seen our dental special?

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